FromSoftware's impact on the industry is undeniable. Their games like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls have created a brand-new sub-genre of action-RPG. Each of these "Soulslike" games shares certain similarities, but also distinct features that make them unique. The defining characteristic of the new Soulslike game, Lies of P, is its peculiar premise. This game offers a twisted version of the beloved Pinocchio fairytale, where players embody the role of Pinocchio himself, on a mission to find his missing father Geppetto and rescue the surviving individuals trapped in a town inhabited by bloodthirsty puppets.
While Lies of P draws inspiration from Pinocchio, it presents its own original story with some familiar characters such as Gemini, the equivalent of Jiminy Cricket, who occasionally provides advice and exposition. However, in terms of gameplay, Lies of P heavily borrows from FromSoftware's extensive library of games, particularly the acclaimed Bloodborne.
Lies of P heavily draws inspiration from Bloodborne and other games developed by FromSoftware, to the extent that it often feels as though it is following a predetermined checklist of Soulslike conventions. It incorporates familiar elements such as a cunning NPC reminiscent of Patches, hidden ledges accessible by pushing against elevator walls, a swamp area reminiscent of Blighttown, and bosses that bear similarities to iconic adversaries found in FromSoftware's games. The list of resemblances is extensive. While Lies of P does introduce some improvements to certain Soulslike mechanics, such as the ability to retrieve lost Ergo/Souls outside boss encounters and replenish Pulse Cells (an equivalent to Estus Flasks), it also retains certain frustrating idiosyncrasies that FromSoftware has since phased out.
Lies of P differs from Elden Ring in that it lacks a dedicated jump button. Instead, players must sprint and then press the left stick to jump, similar to the mechanics in traditional Dark Souls games. Another aspect taken from classic Dark Souls is the requirement to travel back to the Hotel Krat hub area to level up, instead of allowing players to level up at any Stargazer or Bonfire they come across. It is perplexing that players initially have the ability to level up at Stargazers, only to have this privilege later taken away, forcing them to return to the hotel. This can be particularly bothersome during the early stages of the game when leveling up is more frequent, as it needlessly adds extra steps to the process.
As the game progresses, the visits to the hotel become more bearable. Since players don't level up as frequently later in the game, they won't need to fast travel back there as often. Additionally, new NPCs are regularly introduced to the hotel, providing players with more opportunities to accomplish multiple tasks during each visit. Many of the characters in the hotel offer valuable services, acting as merchants or providing other forms of assistance to players. Some of these NPCs even offer side quests for players to complete, conveniently marked on the fast travel points for a general idea of where to go. This stands out as one of the best quality of life improvements in Lies of P compared to other Soulslike games. The NPCs also have their own storylines to follow, with different outcomes depending on the choices made by players in the game.
Player choice plays a significant role in Lies of P. The decisions made by the player revolve around the choice of either lying or telling the truth to the various characters they encounter in the game. Although the initial impact may not be apparent, opting for deceit or honesty brings about subtle alterations in the game world, which gradually escalate into more profound consequences. The game offers multiple endings that can be pursued based on player decisions; however, reaching these endings proves to be a formidable challenge for most individuals.
Lies of P is undeniably brutal, making it one of the most challenging Soulslike games to date. Even the basic, heavily armored enemies present a formidable challenge, almost resembling mini-boss fights. Adding to the frustration, some of these tanky foes can respawn, and the game steadily introduces multiple instances of them. Naturally, players will find it tiresome to not only repeat these encounters but also endure them repeatedly throughout the game.
Although Lies of P's regular enemies pose a serious threat, the true test lies in its boss fights. While the game features impressive, memorable, and demanding boss battles, it also includes numerous encounters that are infuriating and monotonous. This is mainly due to the excessive reliance on two-phase boss fights. While the concept of two-phase battles is effective when used sparingly, it becomes tedious and unenjoyable to repeatedly go through the initial phase to reach the second. Unfortunately, Lies of P leans too heavily on this mechanic, making the game unnecessarily difficult.
Regrettably, the excessive implementation of two-phase boss fights in the game undermines the usual sense of accomplishment that players experience when triumphing over a challenging boss in Soulslike games. Instead of the ecstatic rush of victory that the finest Soulslike games bestow upon players, conquering bosses in Lies of P's often leaves players with a mix of relief and bitterness. Relief stems from the realization that the particular battle has concluded, while bitterness arises from the knowledge that another arduous two-phase boss encounter looms ahead.
Lies of P truly shines in the moments between boss fights. The city of Krat is a stunning place, filled with hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered and exciting cosmetics to be discovered. The diverse landscapes, ranging from mystic stone streets to monster-infested rural areas, make exploration in Lies of P an intriguing experience. Just when players think they have seen it all, the game surprises them by expanding the world even further. Venturing from one Stargazer to another, discovering shortcuts, obtaining valuable loot, and defeating all the enemies that stand in Pinocchio's way is truly rewarding.
The enemy variety in Lies of P is exceptional. Each area is home to its own distinct types of enemies, each possessing their own unique attacks. This forces players to adapt and react differently in every encounter. Mastering the parry-based combat system in Lies of P is essential for survival against the diverse enemy types found within the game. Achieving those Perfect Guards and parries by memorizing enemy attack patterns can provide a great sense of satisfaction. However, the demanding nature of the combat system may prove to be a challenge for even the most dedicated Soulslike fans, preventing them from fully enjoying Lies of P.
The combat system in Lies of P appears conflicted. On one hand, the game encourages aggressive play since enemies regenerate health if not frequently attacked. Additionally, there are only brief moments to successfully land charged attacks and stagger foes. However, at the same time, going on the offensive in Lies of P can have negative consequences. Certain bosses employ relentless move sets, leaving little opportunity for anything other than blocking and attempting to parry. Even executing a Perfect Guard doesn't always yield a significant advantage.
Players in Lies of P can effectively defend against regular attacks by utilizing their stamina and regain health by successfully landing strikes. However, Fury Attacks present a challenge as players must not only guard but also execute a Perfect Guard to avoid devastating health and weapon durability damage. Successful Perfect Guards not only reduce weapon durability loss but also cause enemies to stagger faster. Juggling between Fury Attacks, Perfect Guards, and continuously landing hits to prevent enemy health regeneration can become overwhelming, particularly during complex boss fights. While players can acquire equipment and upgrades to make the gameplay smoother, it would be beneficial if the game supported a wider range of play styles. Some gamers may prefer the tried-and-true dodging from Dark Souls instead of parrying, but parrying remains the only viable strategy in Lies of P. The game forces players to adapt defensively while also encouraging aggression, which may require some adjustment. With dedication and practice, players can eventually grasp the combat mechanics, although it demands a significant investment. Fortunately, Lies of P offers a generous selection of weapons, providing players with ample variety.
The game showcases a distinct weapon system in which players have the ability to mix and match blades of various handles. Alongside this, players acquire grinders that enable them to infuse their weapons with elemental properties such as fire and acid. These enhancements can wield a significant impact against specific adversaries. Moreover, due to the affordable nature of weapon upgrades in Lies of P, players can effortlessly obtain new weapons and experiment with different levels of proficiency. Although the essence of the gameplay still revolves around parrying, it is worth acknowledging Lies of P for offering players a plethora of choices when it comes to their character builds.
Despite being equipped with the best gear, players of Lies of P may encounter significant difficulties when facing certain bosses in the game. In such cases, their options are limited to mastering parrying or grinding for experience points, which can become monotonous due to the lack of enemy density in most areas. While players can summon a specter for additional assistance, it is worth noting that the specter's artificial intelligence leaves much to be desired. The specter often charges recklessly at bosses and frequently gets hit, serving primarily as a temporary distraction rather than a reliable ally.
Although Lies of P lacks co-op support like other Soulslike games, it still holds great appeal for fans of the genre. The game boasts numerous strengths and is technically flawless, running smoothly, boasting impressive visuals, and encountering no discovered glitches. While the writing may occasionally be cumbersome, the ending is undeniably exhilarating and worth enduring the challenges posed by the toughest bosses. It is true that Lies of P occasionally succumbs to some of the less desirable aspects of Soulslike games, but when the combat mechanics align, it can deliver an incredibly enjoyable experience. However, prospective players should anticipate a significant time commitment and a fair share of frustration before achieving this level of enjoyment.
Neowiz's Lies of P takes inspiration from Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio to create an engaging Soulslike experience. Transporting players to the vibrant city of Krat, this captivating game follows the journey of the eponymous puppet who must confront a horde of mechanical enemies that now infest the once bustling streets. With its numerous possible conclusions, a dynamic crafting system, and an impressive array of weapons to choose from, Lies of P offers an immersive and thrilling adventure.
Lies of P launches September 19 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Game Rant was provided with an Xbox Series X code for this review.
